Acoustical measurements in marine environmental monitoring and research in the United States

Acoustical measurements play an important role in marine environmental monitoring and research in the United States. Acoustics is employed by a variety of government agencies with environmental roles and responsibilities, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, and the Department of the Interior. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has specific coastal regulatory responsibilities mandated by the Clean Water Act and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, to limit impacts to the marine environment as a result of wastewater discharges and the disposal of dredged material. To accomplish these tasks, the U.S. EPA and responsible parties use acoustics to gather ambient oceanographic data needed to make environmentally sound decisions regarding ocean outfall and dredged material disposal site placement. Acoustics is also used to assess dredged material and wast...